GET A SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT

Currently wisdom comes from disaster – this saying perfectly illustrates the approach of most South Africans towards the security of their business and homes.  It shouldn’t take a nasty crime incident, resulting in huge financial loss, or heaven forbid even worse, before we wake up.

Criminologists agree that effective design can be used to reduce crime opportunities. A typical criminal will assess a potential crime victim or a location before committing a crime. If the design and use of a building or place create the perception that the costs of committing the crime are greater than its benefits, the potential criminal is likely to think twice about committing crime.

When we take a trip abroad, careful research and planning are always pre-cursors to the actual holiday.  Why?  Because we invest a great deal into an overseas trip and want to make sure that we get value for money.  The same applies to buying a new car, house, or computer.

But, when it comes to security, we are sadly lacking in our planning and research. 

Why?  Because we view security as a “grudge buy”, or a necessary evil. 

Aren’t we being a little naïve and short-sighted? 

South Africa has the highest per capita crime rate in the world, and Johannesburg is known as the “murder capital of the world”. In essence, when we neglect to plan and research our security needs, we are playing with our very lives!

Surely protecting our lives and the lives of our families should be more important than anything else?

We invest in private schooling and medical aid at enormous cost, and we THINK that investment in an alarm installation or the services of an armed response company are sufficient, BUT is this enough?

With the ever present risk of crime in South Africa, it is essential for businesses, communities and individuals to take the initiative and ensure their own security. The only way to do this is to research and plan!